Inklingo
← Dictionary

discreción

dees-kre-SYON/dis.kɾeˈsjon/

“discreción” means “discretion” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

discretion, tact

Also: privacy, prudence
NounfB1
A person holding a finger to their lips in a quiet gesture, standing next to a sealed envelope.

📝 In Action

Valoro mucho tu discreción con este secreto.

B1

I really value your discretion with this secret.

El camarero servía las mesas con mucha discreción.

B2

The waiter served the tables with a lot of tact/discretion.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • prudencia (prudence/caution)
  • tacto (tact)
  • reserva (reserve/secrecy)

Antonyms

  • indiscreción (indiscretion)
  • imprudencia (imprudence)

Common Collocations

  • actuar con discreción – to act with discretion
  • pedir discreción – to ask for privacy/secrecy

at one's discretion

Also: choice, unlimited
NounfB2formal
A person standing at a fork in a path, calmly choosing which way to walk.

📝 In Action

La decisión final queda a su discreción.

B2

The final decision is at your discretion.

Había comida gratis a discreción.

C1

There was free food as much as you wanted (at your discretion).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • voluntad (will/choice)
  • criterio (judgment/criteria)

Common Collocations

  • a discreción – as much as one wants / at will
  • a su discreción – at your/his/her discretion

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "discreción" in Spanish:

prudence→tact→unlimited→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: discreción

Question 1 of 2

If a manager says a bonus is 'a su discreción', what does it mean?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
discreto(discreet) — Adjective
discretamente(discreetly) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
atencióncancióndecisión
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'discretio', which describes the ability to separate or distinguish between things, leading to the idea of having good judgment.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: discretionFrench: discrétionItalian: discrezione

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'discreción' always about keeping secrets?

Not always! While it often means being careful with info, it also means 'judgment' or the 'freedom to choose' what to do in a situation.

Is it 'la' or 'el' discreción?

It is always 'la discreción'. Almost all Spanish words that end in '-ción' are feminine.